TrendSights Analysis 2025: Mega-Trend Overview-Sustainability & Ethics

This report is part of GlobalData's TrendSights overview series. This research explores the Sustainability & Ethics mega-trend and its relevance across the FMCG sectors with added focus on retail and Foodservice.

The Sustainability & Ethics mega-trend is being driven by consumers who want to reduce the environmental and social harm linked to their purchasing decisions. As more people aim to live in ways that are greener, fairer, and more responsible, sustainability and ethics are playing a bigger role in what they buy. In response, brands are increasingly focused on improving the sustainability of their operations and taking a more proactive approach to environmental and social responsibility.

Scope

• Ethical purchases can focus on harm reduction or improving fairness in the supply chain.
• Nearly three quarters of consumers find "sustainable/environmentally-friendly" claims to be "essential/nice-to-have" when making a purchase.
• For young generations, "sustainable" means use of natural and organic ingredients.

Reasons to Buy

• Consider emerging opportunities and threats in the fast-moving consumer goods market and gain insight into potential future consumer behavior.
• Identify interesting new and emerging concepts, products, and ideas on offer in retail, foodservice, online spaces, and beyond.
• Understand how new concepts and ideas fit into - or challenge - current consumer trends.
• Gain insight and inspiration for innovation programs and new product development.